India’s emerging bowling unit, facing recent scrutiny, aims to improve its performance in the death overs, seizing the opportunity presented by Glenn Maxwell’s absence in the upcoming fourth T20 international against Australia on Friday.
In the third match, where Australia successfully chased a formidable 223-run target, India’s young bowling attack struggled, failing to defend 40-plus runs in the final two overs.Prasidh Krishna, conceding 68 runs in four overs, including 21 in the last over, may prompt a minor adjustment in the Indian lineup.The return of Deepak Chahar, known for his ability to move the new ball, and the presence of death-overs specialist Mukesh Kumar, returning after a one-match break, provide potential solutions. Concerns arise from Prasidh and Avesh Khan’s lack of variety, consistently pitching the ball at the same length. Their inability to use variations like conventional or wide yorkers has been a drawback on pitches conducive to batting.
In the batting lineup, Shreyas Iyer’s comeback implies Tilak Varma may be benched, as others—Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, skipper Suryakumar Yadav and finisher Rinku Singh—seem likely selections.
India aim to capitalize on the absence of the influential Maxwell, who played a crucial role in Australia’s previous victory. With Maxwell, Steve Smith and Adam Zampa not featuring in the playing XI, having left for home after their recent World Cup triumph, India see an opportunity.

Suryakumar Yadav’s team, still recovering from Maxwell’s impactful innings, anticipate a more manageable challenge against players like Tim David, Josh Phillippe and Ben McDermott. The bowlers will still contend with in-form Travis Head and the experienced Matthew Wade.
Dew may play a role, as in Guwahati, and the toss-winning captain is likely to opt to chase. Australia’s reinforcements are available for the penultimate match of the series, beginning shortly after their World Cup campaign.
India’s batting, led by promising players like Yashasvi, Ishan, Rinku, Tilak and captain Surya, has performed well.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, coming off a blazing 123 off 57 balls, adds confidence to the team.
Despite unfriendly conditions for bowlers, resulting in five 200-plus totals in six innings, the trend is expected to persist in the remainder of the series.
(With PTI inputs)